Thinking of applying for the Australian visa, then make sure to get in touch with our team of migration agents in Brisbane. In this blog, we are going to explore the migration changes in Australian visas in 2020.
2 New Regional Visas
Last year, Australia introduced 2 new sets of visas which aim to settle the skilled migrants in regional areas. From 19th November 2019 – 2 temporary visas were made available i.e. Skilled Employer-Sponsored regional visa, and Skilled work regional.
- There are around 25000 visa places which are reserved for the regional areas within the annual permanent migration planning level of 1,60,000. The new visa types have replaced the 289 and 187 visas.
- This is considered a major shift because the policies are more aligned with regional migration. 2020 is going to be an interesting time for regional migration. This policy modification is going to affect international students and skilled migrants.
- The skilled occupation list is constantly changing, and this has resulted in increasing concern for the visa applicants.
State-wise details of Regional Work Visas
The states have released the nomination pattern, and they have given the preference to migrants and graduates who are working in regional areas.
- Victoria
Victoria is going to open the application on 18th November 2019. You can apply vIctoria for free.
- Western Australia
Western Australia invitations for visa subclass 489 have started on 21st November 2019.
- Tasmania
Tasmania state nominated applications are going to open on 16th November 2019 which includes the skilled regional work visas (Subclass 491). This application has fees of $200.
- Queensland
The State nomination skilled program will open on 25th November 2019 for the Skilled Nomination visas (Subclass 190) and Skilled regional work (Subclass 491).
- South Australia
In the first week of December 2019 the state nomination application for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 skilled regional work has been opened.
- Northern Territory
The NT application has reopened from 9th December 2019. This includes the applications for the skilled regional work and skilled nomination visa (Subclass 190).
Changes made to the skilled occupation list
The SOL list has been updated in March 2020. The department of skills, employment, small and family business have flagged changes to around 38 occupations while going through the SOL. around 11 occupations are removed and another 4 are going to be added to the list.
Visa for migrant farmworkers
Australian horticulture is going to sponsor overseas workers to work in the farms. This arrangement started on 1st January 2020. The applicant should have the English language requirements, and a minimum salary should be given to them by the sponsoring employer. The English concessions are low for these workers, and salary concessions make it easier for employers to hire them. The best is that it offers a great option for permanent residency.
